‘We’re not on the same level’ : James Maddison responds to comparism with player Spurs sold for £17m

Tottenham Hotspur’s new maestro, James Maddison, believes he is the same type of player as Christian Eriksen but refuses to put himself ‘on the same level’ as the Dane.

The 26-year-old was acquired by Spurs for £40 million in June as manager Ange Postecoglou profited from Leicester City’s relegation. The Foxes were only two points behind Everton at the end of the Premier League season, but they were relegated to the Championship despite Maddison’s continued excellence.

Maddison made 30 appearances in the 2022–23 season, recording 10 goals and 9 assists. The only time the England midfielder scored more frequently was during the 2021–2022 season, when he did so 12 times in 35 games. In the top division, he had never contributed to more than eight goals.

Can Maddison be Tottenham’s long-awaited Eriksen successor?

With two goals and two assists in four games, Maddison has started her life in north London the way she plans to continue. On his Tottenham debut against Brentford, he provided two assists. The three-time captain would subsequently score a goal against both Burnley and AFC Bournemouth.

Given his energetic start to his career in the city, Maddison has the potential to be Eriksen’s long-sought replacement at Tottenham. Throughout his stay at White Hart Lane, the 31-year-old performed like a magician. After seven years, he departed Spurs in January 2020 and signed a £17 million contract with Inter Milan.

Eriksen, then 21 years old, was acquired by Tottenham from AFC Ajax for £11.5 million in August 2013. Through 226 Premier League appearances, the 121-cap hero from Denmark would go on to score 51 goals and provide 67 assists. He made 305 appearances with Spurs in all competitions, contributing 69 goals and 90 assists.

What has Maddison just said about Eriksen and Spurs?

Maddison thinks that since Eriksen, who is currently at Manchester United, left north London, Tottenham has been lacking a playmaker of Eriksen’s caliber. But the Coventry-born creative thinks he plays similarly to the Danish player. Even though Maddison won’t acknowledge that he is on Eriksen’s level.

“They’ve always had that type of player,” Maddison told the Independent. “That kind of midfielder who wants to be original, amuse the crowd, and be a character.

Christian Eriksen in more recent years, although they most likely haven’t had a player like that since him. I’d include myself in that group. I don’t hold myself to the same standard. However, I am that kind of gamer.